DHP's annual fundraiser shakes things up with Kentucky Peerless

The Downtown Henderson Partnership's annual fundraiser is taking a new spin this year in Audubon Mill Park Saturday.

The partnership will host Dinner on the River with Kentucky Peerless Distilling Co., and it will be the first event that includes alcohol in the park.

"It's a pretty big deal for us to be able to host something like this in the park," said Sarah Stewart, assistant director of the Downtown Henderson Partnership.

The layout of the event will be similar to the partnership's previous White on Main fundraiser. A bar will include Kentucky Peerless moonshine and beer and wine, and guests can bring in their own food or order from participating restaurants -- Hong Kong Foodie, Planters, Sidewalk Cafe, Tom's Market and Rockhouse at Wolf's.

The fundraiser also features live music from Nashville singer-songwriter Jeffrey East, a long-time guest of the Sandy Lee Watkins's Songwriter Festival, and Spencer Bloodworth and Morgan Book.

"Jeffrey can't seem to get away from Henderson," Stewart said. "It's a privilege to bring him back. Spencer and Morgan are fantastic too. We couldn't ask for better musical entertainment."

Kentucky Peerless has Henderson roots, too. The story of the distillery started in Henderson when Henry Craver bought the Worsham Distillery in 1889 and then later sold it in the early 1900s. Fast-forward to the 2000s, when Corky Taylor, the great-grandson of Kraver, revived the company and opened Kentucky Peerless Distilling Co. in downtown Louisville.

Morgan Book and Spencer Bloodworth(Photo: Chelsie McElfresh)

Becky Carroll, marketing director for Kentucky Peerless, said the company's sponsorship of the upcoming fundraiser brings the Kentucky Peerless' connection to Henderson full circle.

"It's cool that we can say our story started in Henderson," Carroll said.

Stewart said she hopes hosting this type of event in the park for the first time will encourage more people to purchase tickets and support the organization.

"We just want people to have a good time and enjoy spending time with others in this community," Stewart said. "This event means a lot to the partnership."

Fundraiser for DHP(Photo: Illustration by Chloe Moloney)

Guests can purchase tables of six or eight or individual tickets. Attendees can also decorate their tables or pay extra for decorated tables. The evening is for individuals 21 and over and the park will be fenced off for the evening, Stewart said. There will be a cash bar, and a shuttle service will be provided by Curt Hamilton Law between 8-11 p.m.

To purchase tickets, contact Stewart at 270-827-0016.

IF YOU GO

What: Dinner on the River with Kentucky Peerless Distillery Co.

When: 7 p.m. Saturday

Where: Audubon Mill Park

Tickets: Tables of six are $100, tables of 8 are $150 and decorated tables of 8 are $250. Individual tickets are $25. To purchase a table, call 270-827-0016. Individual tickets can also be purchased on the day of the event at the entrance of Audubon Mill Park.